Reading Specialist

Master of Education for Practicing Teachers

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Teach Valuable Literacy Skills as a Reading Specialist

Designed for licensed teachers, the M.Ed. in Reading program enhances the teaching of literacy, providing graduates with a Reading Specialist or Reading Teacher endorsement credentials. Areas of emphasis include multisensory instruction, data-driven teaching methods and literacy-specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Created by practicing educators, the M.Ed. in Reading is the only fully online reading specialist program in Colorado. The curriculum covers a variety of teaching strategies and assessments that emphasize current, research-based best practices reflecting state literacy standards. Graduates complete the program with deep knowledge of evidence-based strategies which helps them stand out in their teaching careers and secure new professional opportunities. Three program options are offered based on interest area: degree only, degree with Reading Specialist endorsement or degree with Reading Teacher endorsement.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
Fully online
8-week terms

Time Commitment
18-22 months

Key Dates
Starts are offered in August, January and May.

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"Commitment to real-world application is evident starting in the very first course"

Name: Jenny Nordman, Ph.D.

Title: Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Read More About Jenny

How long have you been teaching at Regis? And how long have you been teaching in the M.Ed. in Reading program?
I have been teaching at Regis since 2005, for a total of 16 years. I have coordinated the Master of Education in Reading program for the past 8 years.

What kind of professional expertise and knowledge do you bring to the education classroom?
My areas of professional expertise include reading assessment and intervention, cognitive skills associated with reading success, evidence-based instructional practices, and literacy coaching. I frequently publish manuscripts and present at conferences on these topics.

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the M.Ed. in Reading program at Regis?
The Reading M.Ed. program at Regis is fully online and results in a Reading Specialist or Reading Teacher added endorsement. The courses are evidence-based and provide students with knowledge on dyslexia, structured multisensory interventions, scientifically-based reading techniques, reading strategies for diverse learners and literacy coaching methodology.

What differentiates the M.Ed. in Reading from similar programs at other universities?
The Reading M.Ed. program at Regis is the only fully online Reading Specialist endorsement program in the state. We are flexible and have several start dates for new students. It is not a cohort model, so students can take classes at their own pace. The assignments are application-based, meaning we want students to apply the strategies and methods in their own classrooms. This commitment to real-world application is evident starting in the very first course.

What type of student thrives in the M.Ed. in Reading program at Regis? What sort of talents and abilities are useful in the program?
Students who thrive in the Reading program are those who are passionate about literacy instruction and want to learn techniques for assisting children and adolescents with reading deficits. Likewise, students in the program are interested in professional advancement in the area of reading, including interventionist positions. In general, successful Reading M.Ed. students are effective communicators who are organized and motivated.

By the Numbers

10%

Tuition discount offered for teachers and paraprofessionals

45.8%

Colorado students who meet or exceed literacy standards for their grade*

100%

Recent graduates who gave Excellent or Good rating to program’s relevance to their careers

*Chalkbeat, co.chalkbeat.org/2019/8/15/21108633/most-colorado-students-not-proficient-in-reading-and-math-but-there-s-some-good-news

Program Options

M.Ed. Reading (Degree Only)

For licensed teachers interested in increasing literacy knowledge and expertise, and for those seeking literacy-focused teaching positions. This program culminates in an online capstone course, which is taken online during the summer. This program is designed to be a fast-paced online program for current educators.
Eligibility: Residents of any state are eligible for this program.

M.Ed. Reading with Reading Specialist Endorsement

For licensed teachers in Colorado who are interested in addressing the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other learning challenges. This program culminates in a university-supervised practicum focusing on students who have documented or suspected reading disabilities. The practicum can be completed in your own classroom and is a great option for those who are interested in literacy interventionist, instructional coaching, and district literacy leadership roles.
Eligibility: Colorado residents only.

M.Ed. Reading with Reading Teacher Endorsement

For licensed teachers interested in teaching literacy to students who are linguistically diverse and have special education needs. This program culminates in a university-supervised practicum focusing on whole and small group literacy instruction. The practicum that can be completed in your own classroom and is a great option for classroom literacy leaders and those teaching in the secondary grades.
Eligibility: Colorado or Wyoming residents only.

Program Details

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Get all the details on our M.Ed. in Reading program, including course requirements and application materials.

Imagine Yourself In . . .

classroom shot with book icon on top of image

EDRG 606: Reading Assessment and Intervention

Utilize literacy assessment and diagnostic tools to develop remediation strategies and create clinic reports based on assessment experiences.

EDRG 608: Evidence-Based Reading Techniques for Dyslexia

Examine evidence-based, advanced techniques in reading instruction in the context of state policies, specific disabilities and reading program evaluation.

EDRG 604: Literacy for the Diverse Learner

Explore current research and strategies for teaching diverse learners who are multi-lingual, multi-cultural, come from a disadvantaged environment or have special needs.

To apply to the M.Ed. in Reading program, you will need:

Completed online application
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Official degree-bearing transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university
Resume
Current teaching license
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Tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year: $572 per credit hour
10% tuition discount is available for teachers or those with contracted positions within a school
Federal TEACH Grant opportunities are also available

Total program credits: 30

Earning your M.Ed. in Reading from Regis sets you apart and expands your professional network — think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or sign up for one of our upcoming graduate financial aid information sessions.

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A Culture of Excellence

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The Master of Education in Reading is offered by the Division of Education within Regis College.